The confidence of the business in Scotland rose to a national average of the United Kingdom in May, with 52%.
The general business confidence of the United Kingdom increased 11 points by May to 50%, the highest level in nine months.
Scotland confidence increased 12 points during May 52%, according to the Bank of the Bank of Scotland, compared to 40% in April.
While companies in Scotland reported less confidence in their own commercial perspectives month by month, less than four points to 57%, the optimism in the economy increased 29 points to 48%, which analysts said that “gives a read of 52%main confidence.”
The business barometer, which examines 1,200 monthly companies and has been operating since 2002, provides early signals on the economic trends of the United Kingdom both regionally and throughout the country.
In general, the business confidence of the United Kingdom increased 11 points by May to 50%, its highest level since August 2024.
The optimism of companies in their own commercial perspectives strengthened six points to 56%, while confidence in the economy in general also rose 16 points to 44%.
In a six -month forecast, Scottish companies identified objective areas for growth as evolving their offer, for example, by introducing new products or services (56%), investing in their equipment, for example, through training (48%) and introducing new technologies, for example, AI and automation (36%).
East Midlands was the safest region in May (66%), closely followed by the northeast of England (65%).
Martyn Kendrick, director of Scotland at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “Scottish commercial trust has not only increased, but now it has remained above the national average of the United Kingdom for the sixth consecutive month.
“The companies in our country are establishing clear plans for growth, with more companies that plan to take measures, such as launching new products and services than anywhere else in the United Kingdom.
“This reflects a business community that has innovation and ambition in its DNA. We will continue to support local businesses as they turn their plans into action.”
Hann-Ju Ho, a senior economist of Lloyds Commercial Banking, said: “The rebound in business confidence suggests that companies could be in a stronger position for the next quarter.
“The increase in trust is promoted by a strong increase in economic optimism, which reflects recovery in financial markets in the midst of more promising perspectives for possible global trade agreements.
“Also encouraging is the fact that commercial perspectives, salary expectations and contracting intentions also saw improvements this month. Positive trends in these metrics are important signals for potential growth and resistance in the business community and economy in general.
“While we know that fluctuations occur month by month and the global economic perspective remains uncertain, the increase in this month's trust is an encouraging sign.”
Paul Kempster, managing director of commercial banking in Lloyds Business and Commercial, said: “The jump in business confidence for our regions and nations is encouraging.
“It is great to see that in many metrics, companies have more hope for the future and success are being supported in 2025.
“East Midlands in particular saw the highest confidence levels with 66%, the highest that the region has seen since 2018.
“As business confidence recovers, we are committed to supporting companies with a variety of financial services to help them take advantage of opportunities and achieve their growth ambitions.”
